MLS 2025: MATCH DAY 35 ROUND UP IN THE MAJOR LEAGUE SOCCER

By Sam Mbonu

Match day 35 delivered a total of 46 goals while several teams booked their MLS Cup playoff spots. Most importantly Houston Dynamo returned to winning ways with a 1-0 home win over Portland Timbers. 

At the Shell Energy Stadium, Ezequiel Pounce grabbed his 10th goal of the season as Houston Dynamo defeated Portland Timbers 1-0 to continue to fight for a playoff spot. 

Only 4 teams have qualified for the MLS Cup playoffs in the Eastern Conference, Philly Union, FC Cincinnati, Charlotte, and NYCFC. 

Also, 4 teams have qualified from the western conference, LAFC sealed their spot with a 4-1 away win at RSL midweek but in a reverse fixture at the BMO, Gabonese striker, Denis Bouanga  scored a hat trick as LAFC delivered a masterclass performance to thrash Real Salt Lake 4-1, the same goal margin they defeated RSL midweek as the race for playoffs rages on. 

The goals took Bouanga’s tally to 22 this season as his combination with lethal precision with the latest black and gold acquisition, Son Heung-Min who contributed a goal in the demolition of Real Salt Lake. 

Houston Dynamo vs Portland Timbers 

At the Shell Energy Stadium, with the head coach, Ben Olsen and captain Artur suspended for the game, assistant head coach, Juna Guerra took the reins and returned the team to winning ways with a hard fought 1-0 win over Portland Timbers. With 3 matches left to go in this regular season, Dynamo are now 10th in the western conference, just a point behind state rivals FC Dallas who occupies the final playoff spot. 

Ezequiel Pounce grabbed his 10th goal of the season as Houston Dynamo continued to fight for a playoff spot. 

Meanwhile, FC Dallas defeated Colorado Rapids 3-1 to stay 9th as they hold on to the final playoff spot in the western conference.  

Peter Musa scored his 16th goal of the season for FC Dallas in that win. FC Cincinnati dealt LA Galaxy a mass blow with a 3-2 win at the Dignity Health Park while. Other teams that won on he road were Vancouver Whitecaps who defeated Sporting Kansas 2-0, St Louis took the maximum points with a 3-1 away win at San Jose, while Chicago Fire defeated Minnesota 3-0 on the road.

Lionel Messi golden boot run helped Inter Miami defeated DC united 3-2 at the Chase Stadium, a win that reignites Inter Miami quest to with the supporters shield which they won last year. Though Inter Miami are 5th in the eastern conference, 52 points, with 6 games for them to the end of the season, will they go ahead and retain their supporters shield crown won last season.